---
title: "History · Res gestae"
author: "Ammianus Marcellinus"
translator: "John C. Rolfe"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 8 of 52
url: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/8/
cite: "Ammianus Marcellinus, tr. John C. Rolfe, History · Res gestae, section 8. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/8/"
---

# History · Res gestae

*Ammianus Marcellinus, tr. John C. Rolfe*

The last great Latin history of Rome, by a Greek soldier: the emperor Julian, the Persian wars and the Goths’ victory at Adrianople in AD 378.

> Latin: ed. John C. Rolfe, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, stoa0023.stoa001, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: John C. Rolfe, from the Perseus Digital Library (stoa0023.stoa001.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (books, chapters and sections), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## 8. Book XVI · chapters 8–12

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/8/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/8/#p-N

[¶0] 8.8. Then a thing happened in Aquitania which fame bruited more widely abroad. A crafty old fellow who was invited to a sumptuous and elegant banquet, such as are very frequent in that country, noticed that the purple borders of the linen couch-covers were so very broad that the skill of the attendants made them seem all one piece, and that the table was covered with similar cloths; and by turning the front part of his cloak inward with both hands, he so adorned its whole structure, that it resembled an emperor’s garment; and this action ruined a rich estate.

> Latin: 8.8. Tune illud apud Aquitanos evenit, quod latior fama vulgarat. Veterator quidam ad lautum convivium rogatus et mundum, qualia sunt in his regionibus plurima, cum vidisset linteorum toralium purpureos clavos ita latissimos, ut sibi vicissim arte ministrantium cohaererent, mensamque operimentis paribus tectam, anteriorem chlamydis partem utraque manu vehens intrinsecus, structuram omnem ut amictus adornaverat principalis; quae res patrimonium dives evertit.

[¶1] 8.9. With like malice a certain member of the secret service in Spain, who also was invited to a dinner, when he heard the slaves who were bringing in the evening lights cry (as the manner is): “May we conquer,” gave the expression a serious meaning, and wickedly destroyed a noble house.

> Latin: 8.9. Malignitate simili quidam agens in rebus in Hispania ad cenam itidem invitatus, cum inferentes vespertina lumina pueros exclamasse audisset ex usu “vincamus,” verbum sollemne interpretatum atrociter delevit nobilem domum.

[¶2] 8.10. These and similar actions kept growing more and more common, for the reason that Constantius, who was excessively timid and fearful for his life, always anticipated that a knife was at his throat, like that famous Sicilian despot, Dionysius, who because of that same infirmity actually taught his daughters to be barbers, in order that he might not trust the shaving of his cheeks to an outsider; and he surrounded the little house in which he used to sleep, with a deep trench and spanned it with a knockdown bridge, the planks and pins of which he took apart and carried with him when he went off to bed; and reassembled them at daybreak, when he was on his way out.

> Latin: 8.10. Haec taliaque ideo magis magisque crescebant, quod Constantius impendio timidus et de vita sollicitus, semper se ferro peti sperabat, ut Dionysius tyrannus ille Siciliae, qui ob hoc idem vitium et tonstrices docuit filias, necui alieno ora committeret leviganda, aedemque brevem, ubi cubitare sueverat, alta circumdedit fossa eamque ponte solubili superstravit, cuius disiectos asseres et axiculos secum in somnum abiens transferebat, eosdemque compaginabat, lucis initio processurus.

[¶3] 8.11. These trumpet-blasts of internal revolt were likewise increased by powerful courtiers, to the end that they might lay claim to the property of condemned persons and incorporate it with their own, and thus have the means of encroaching widely on their neighbours.

> Latin: 8.11. Inflabant itidem has malorum civilium bucinas potentes in regia, ea re ut damnatorum petita bona suis accorporarent, essetque materia per vicinitates eorum late grassandi.

[¶4] 8.12. For as clear proofs bore witness, the first of all to open the jaws of those nearest to him was Constantine, but it was Constantius who fattened them with the marrow of the provinces.

> Latin: 8.12. Namque ut documenta liquida prodiderunt, proximorum fauces aperuit primus omnium Constantinus, sed eos medullis provinciarum saginavit Constantius.

[¶5] 8.13. For under him the leading men of every rank were inflamed with a boundless eagerness for riches, without consideration for justice or right; among the civil functionaries first came Rufinus, the praetorian prefect; among the military, Arbetio, master of the horse, and the head-chamberlain Eusebius,... anus, the quaestor, and in Rome itself the members of the Anician family, whose younger generation, striving to outdo their forefathers, could never be satisfied with even much greater possessions.

> Latin: 8.13. Sub hoc enim ordinum singulorum auctores, infinita cupidine divitiarum arserunt, sine iustitiae distinctione vel recti, inter ordinarios iudices Rufinus primus praefectus praetorio, et inter militares equitum magister Arbetio, praepositusque cubiculi Eusebius, … anus quaestor, et in urbe Anicii, quorum ad avorum aemulationem posteritas tendens, satiari numquam potuit cum possessione multo maiore.

[¶6] 9.1. But the Persians in the East, rather by thieving and robbery than (as their former manner was) in set battles, kept driving off booty of men and animals; sometimes they got away with their loot, being unexpected; often they lost it, over-marched by the great number of our soldiers; occasionally they were not allowed to see anything at all which could be carried off.

> Latin: 9.1. At Persae in oriente per furta et latrocinia potius quam (ut solebant antea) per concursatorias pugnas, hominum praedas agitabant et pecorum, quas non numquam lucrabantur ut repentini, aliquotiens superati multitudine militum amittebant, interdum nihil conspicere prorsus quod poterat rapi permittebantur.

[¶7] 9.2. None the less, Musonianus, the praetorian prefect, a man (as I have said before) gifted with many excellent accomplishments, but corrupt and easy to turn from the truth by a bribe, inquired into the designs of the Persians through emissaries of his who were adepts in deceit and incrimination; and he took into his counsels on this subject Cassianus, duke of Mesopotamia, who had been toughened by various campaigns and dangers.

> Latin: 9.2. Musonianus tamen praefectus praetorio, multis (ut ante diximus) bonis artibus eruditus, sed venalis et flecti a veritate pecunia facilis, per emissarios quosdam, fallendi perstringendique gnaros, Persarum scitabatur consilia, assumpto in deliberationes huius modi Cassiano Mesopotamiae duce, stipendiis et discriminibus indurato diversis.

[¶8] 9.3. When the two had certain knowledge from the unanimous reports of their scouts that Sapor, on the remotest frontiers of his realm, was with difficulty and with great bloodshed of his troops driving back hostile tribesmen, they made trial of Tamsapor, the commander nearest to our territory, in secret interviews through obscure soldiers, their idea being that, if chance gave an opportunity, he should by letter advise the king finally to make peace with the Roman emperor, in order that by so doing he might be secure on his whole western frontier and could rush upon his persistent enemies.

> Latin: 9.3. Qui cum fide concinente speculatorum aperte cognossent Saporem in extremis regni limitibus, suorum sanguine fuso multiplici, aegre propulsare gentes infestas, Tamsaporem ducem parti nostrae contiguum, occultis per ignotos milites temptavere colloquiis, ut si copiam fors dedisset, suaderet regi per litteras pacem tandem aliquando cum principe Romano firmare, ut hoc facto ab occidentali latere omni securus, perduelles involaret assiduos.

[¶9] 9.4. Tamsapor consented and relying on this information, reported to the king that Constantius, being involved in very serious wars, entreated and begged for peace. But while these communications were being sent to the Chionitae and Euseni, in whose territories Sapor was passing the winter, a long time elapsed.

> Latin: 9.4. Paruit Tamsapor, hisque fretus refert ad regem, quod bellis acerrimis Constantius implicatus, pacem postulat precativam. Dumque ad Chionitas et Eusenos haec scripta mittuntur, in quorum confiniis agebat hiemem Sapor, tempus interstitit longum.

[¶10] 10.1. While these events were so being arranged in the Orient and in Gaul in accordance with the times, Constantius, as if the temple of Janus had been closed and all his enemies overthrown, was eager to visit Rome and after the death of Magnentius to celebrate, without a title, a triumph over Roman blood.

> Latin: 10.1. Haec dum per eoas partes et Gallias pro captu temporum disponuntur, Constantius quasi cluso Iani templo stratisque hostibus cunctis, Romam visere gestiebat, post Magnenti exitium absque nomine ex sanguine Romano triumphaturus.

[¶11] 10.2. For neither in person did he vanquish any nation that made war upon him, nor learn of any conquered by the valour of his generals; nor did he add anything to his empire; nor at critical moments was he ever seen to be foremost, or among the foremost; but he desired to display an inordinately long procession, banners stiff with gold work, and the splendour of his retinue, to a populace living in perfect peace and neither expecting nor desiring to see this or anything like it.

> Latin: 10.2. Nec enim gentem ullam bella cientem per se superavit, aut victam fortitudine suorum comperit ducum, vel addidit quaedam imperio, aut usquam in necessitatibus summis primus vel inter primos est visus, sed ut pompam nimis extentam, rigentiaque auro vexilla, et pulcritudinem stipatorum ostenderet agenti tranquillius populo, haec vel simile quicquam videre nec speranti umquam nec optanti.

[¶12] 10.3. Perhaps he did not know that some of our ancient commanders in time of peace were satisfied with the attendance of their lictors; but when the heat of battle could tolerate no inaction, one, with the mad blast of the winds shrieking, entrusted himself to a fisherman’s skiff; another, after the example of the Decii, vowed his life for the commonwealth; a third in his own person together with common soldiers explored the enemy’s camp; in short, various among them became famous through splendid deeds, so that they commended their glories to the frequent remembrance of posterity.

> Latin: 10.3. Ignorans fortasse, quosdam veterum principum in pace quidem lictoribus fuisse contentos, ubi vero proeliorum ardor nihil perpeti poterat segne, alium anhelante rabido flatu ventorum lenunculo se commisisse piscantis, alium ad Deciorum exempla vovisse pro re publica spiritum, alium hostilia castra per semet ipsum cum militibus infimis explorasse, diversos denique actibus inclaruisse magnificis, ut glorias suas posteritatis celebri memoriae commendarent.

[¶13] 10.4. So soon, then, as much had been disbursed in regal preparation, and every sort of man had been rewarded according to his services, in the second prefecture of Orfitus he passed through Ocriculi, elated with his great honours and escorted by formidable troops; he was conducted, so to speak, in battle array and everyone’s eyes were riveted upon him with fixed gaze.

> Latin: 10.4. Ut igitur multa quaeque consumpta sunt in apparatu regio, pro meritis cuilibet munera reddita, secunda Orfiti praefectura, transcurso Ocriculo, elatus honoribus magnis, stipatusque agminibus formidandis, tamquam acie ducebatur instructa, omnium oculis in eum contuitu pertinaci intentis.

[¶14] 10.5. And when he was nearing the city, as he beheld with calm countenance the dutiful attendance of the senate and the august likenesses of the patrician stock, he thought, not like Cineas, the famous envoy of Pyrrhus, that a throng of kings was assembled together, but that the sanctuary of the whole world was present before him.

> Latin: 10.5. Cumque urbi propinquaret, senatus officia, reverendasque patriciae stirpis effigies, ore sereno contemplans, non ut Cineas ille Pyrri legatus, in unum coactam multitudinem regum, sed asylum mundi totius adesse existimabat.

[¶15] 10.6. And when he turned from them to the populace, he was amazed to see in what crowds men of every type had flocked from all quarters to Rome. And as if he were planning to overawe the Euphrates with a show of arms, or the Rhine, while the standards preceded him on each side, he himself sat alone upon a golden car in the resplendent blaze of shimmering precious stones, whose mingled glitter seemed to form a sort of shifting light.

> Latin: 10.6. Unde cum se vertisset ad plebem, stupebat qua celebritate omne quod ubique est hominum genus confluxerit Romam. Et tamquam Euphraten armorum specie territurus aut Rhenum, altrinsecus praeeuntibus signis, insidebat aureo solus ipse carpento, fulgenti claritudine lapidum variorum, quo micante lux quaedam misceri videbatur alterna.

[¶16] 10.7. And behind the manifold others that preceded him he was surrounded by dragons, woven out of purple thread and bound to the golden and jewelled tops of spears, with wide mouths open to the breeze and hence hissing as if roused by anger, and leaving their tails winding in the wind.

> Latin: 10.7. Eumque post antegressos multiplices alios, purpureis subtegminibus texti, circumdedere dracones, hastarum aureis gemmatisque summitatibus illigati, hiatu vasto perflabiles, et ideo velut ira perciti sibilantes, caudarumque volumina relinquentes in ventum.

[¶17] 10.8. And there marched on either side twin lines of infantrymen with shields and crests gleaming with glittering rays, clad in shining mail; and scattered among them were the full-armoured cavalry (whom they call clibanarii). all masked, furnished with protecting breastplates and girt with iron belts, so that you might have supposed them statues polished by the hand of Praxiteles, not men. Thin circles of iron plates, fitted to the curves of their bodies, completely covered their limbs; so that whichever way they had to move their members, their garment fitted, so skilfully were the joinings made.

> Latin: 10.8. Et incedebat hinc inde ordo geminus armatorum, clipeatus atque cristatus, corusco lumine radians, nitidis loricis indutus, sparsique cataphracti equites (quos clibanarios dictitant) personati thoracum muniti tegminibus, et limbis ferreis cincti, ut Praxitelis manu polita crederes simulacra, non viros; quos laminarum circuli tenues, apti corporis flexibus ambiebant, per omnia membra diducti, ut quocumque artus necessitas commovisset, vestitus congrueret, iunctura cohaerenter aptata.

[¶18] 10.9. Accordingly, being saluted as Augustus with favouring shouts, while hills and shores thundered out the roar, he never stirred, but showed himself as calm and imperturbable as he was commonly seen in his provinces.

> Latin: 10.9. Augustus itaque faustis vocibus appellatus, non montium litorumque intonante fragore cohorruit, talem se tamque immobilem, qualis in provinciis suis visebatur, ostendens.

[¶19] 10.10. For he both stooped when passing through lofty gates (although he was very short), and as if his neck were in a vice, he kept the gaze of his eyes straight ahead, and turned his face neither to right nor to left, but (as if he were a lay figure) neither did he nod when the wheel jolted nor was he ever seen to spit, or to wipe or rub his face or nose, or move his hands about.

> Latin: 10.10. Nam et corpus perhumile curvabat portas ingrediens celsas, et velut collo munito, rectam aciem luminum tendens, nec dextra vultum nec laeva flectebat et (tamquam figmentum hominis) nec cum rota concuteret nutans, nec spuens, aut os aut nasum tergens vel fricans, manumve agitans visus est umquam.

[¶20] 10.11. And although this was affectation on his part, yet these and various other features of his more intimate life were tokens of no slight endurance, granted to him alone, as was given to be understood.

> Latin: 10.11. Quae licet affectabat, erant tamen haec et alia quaedam in citeriore vita, patientiae non mediocris indicia, ut existimari dabatur, uni illi concessae.

[¶21] 10.12. Furthermore, that during the entire period of his reign he neither took up anyone to sit beside him in his car, nor admitted any private person to be his colleague in the insignia of the consulship, as other anointed princes did, and many like habits which in his pride of lofty conceit he observed as though they were most just laws, I pass by, remembering that I set them down when they occurred.

> Latin: 10.12. Quod autem per omne tempus imperil, nec in consessum vehiculi quemquam suscepit, nec in trabea socium privatum asscivit, ut fecere principes consecrati, et similia multa elatus in arduum supercilium, tamquam leges aequissimas observavit, praetereo, memor ea me rettulisse cum incidissent.

[¶22] 10.13. So then he entered Rome, the home of empire and of every virtue, and when he had come to the Rostra, the most renowned forum of ancient dominion, he stood amazed; and on every side on which his eyes rested he was dazzled by the array of marvellous sights. He addressed the nobles in the senate-house and the populace from the tribunal, and being welcomed to the palace with manifold attentions, he enjoyed a longed-for pleasure; and on several occasions, when holding equestrian games, he took delight in the sallies of the commons, who were neither presumptuous nor regardless of their old-time freedom, while he himself also respectfully observed the due mean.

> Latin: 10.13. Proinde Romam ingressus imperil virtutumque omnium larem, cum venisset ad rostra, perspectissimum priscae potentiae forum, obstipuit, perque omne latus quo se oculi contulissent, miraculorum densitate praestrictus, allocutus nobilitatem in curia, populumque e tribunali, in palatium receptus favore multiplici, laetitia fruebatur optata, et saepe, cum equestres ederet ludos, dicacitate plebis oblectabatur, nec superbae nec a libertate coalita desciscentis, reverenter modum ipse quoque debitum servans.

[¶23] 10.14. For he did not (as in the case of other cities) permit the contests to be terminated at his own discretion, but left them (as the custom is) to various chances. Then, as he surveyed the sections of the city and its suburbs, lying within the summits of the seven hills, along their slopes, or on level ground, he thought that whatever first met his gaze towered above all the rest: the sanctuaries of Tarpeian Jove so far surpassing as things divine excel those of earth; the baths built up to the measure of provinces; the huge bulk of the amphitheatre, strengthened by its framework of Tiburtine stone, to whose top human eyesight barely ascends; the Pantheon like a rounded city-district, vaulted over in lofty beauty; and the exalted heights which rise with platforms to which one may mount, and bear the likenesses of former emperors; the Temple of the City, the Forum of Peace, the Theatre of Pompey, the Oleum, the Stadium, and amongst these the other adornments of the Eternal City.

> Latin: 10.14. Non enim (ut per civitates alias) ad arbitrium suum certamina finiri patiebatur, sed (ut mos est) variis casibus permittebat. Deinde intra septem montium culmina, per acclivitates planitiemque posita urbis membra collustrans et suburbana, quicquid viderat primum, id eminere inter alia cuncta sperabat: Iovis Tarpei delubra, quantum terrenis divina praecellunt; lavacra in modum provinciarum exstructa; amphitheatri molem solidatam lapidis Tiburtini compage, ad cuius summitatem aegre visio humana conscendit; Pantheum velut regionem teretem speciosa celsitudine fornicatam; elatosque vertices qui scansili suggestu consurgunt, priorum principum imitamenta portantes, et Urbis templum forumque Pacis, et Pompei theatrum et Odeum et Stadium, aliaque inter haec decora urbis aeternae.

[¶24] 10.15. But when he came to the Forum of Trajan, a construction unique under the heavens, as we believe, and admirable even in the unanimous opinion of the gods, he stood fast in amazement, turning his attention to the gigantic complex about him, beggaring description and never again to be imitated by mortal men. Therefore abandoning all hope of attempting anything like it, he said that he would and could copy Trajan’s steed alone, which stands in the centre of the vestibule, carrying the emperor himself.

> Latin: 10.15. Verum cum ad Traiani forum venisset, singularem sub omni caelo structuram, ut opinamur, etiam numinum assensione mirabilem, haerebat attonitus, per giganteos contextus circumferens mentem, nec relatu effabiles, nec rursus mortalibus appetendos. Omni itaque spe huius modi quicquam conandi depulsa, Traiani equum solum, locatum in atrii medio, qui ipsum principem vehit, imitari se velle dicebat et posse.

[¶25] 10.16. To this prince Ormisda, who was standing near him, and whose departure from Persia I have described above, replied with native wit: “First, Sire,” said he, “command a like stable to be built, if you can; let the steed which you propose to create range as widely as this which we see.” When Ormisda was asked directly what he thought of Rome, he said that he took comfort in this fact alone, that he had learned that even there men were mortal.

> Latin: 10.16. Cui prope adstans regalis Ormisda, cuius e Perside discessum supra monstravimus, respondit astu gentili: “Ante” inquit “imperator, stabulum tale condi iubeto, si vales; equus quem fabricare disponis, ita late succedat, ut iste quem videmus.” Is ipse interrogatus quid de Roma sentiret, id tantum sibi placuisse aiebat, quod didicisset ibi quoque homines mori.

[¶26] 10.17. So then, when the emperor had viewed many objects with awe and amazement, he complained of Fame as either incapable or spiteful, because while always exaggerating everything, in describing what there is in Rome, she becomes shabby. And after long deliberation what he should do there, he determined to add to the adornments of the city by erecting in the Circus Maximus an obelisk, the provenance and figure of which I shall describe in the proper place.

> Latin: 10.17. Multis igitur cum stupore visis horrendo, imperator de fama querebatur, ut invalida vel maligna, quod augens omnia semper in maius, erga haec explicanda quae Romae sunt obsolescit, deliberansque diu quid ibi ageret, urbis addere statuit ornamentis, ut in maximo circo erigeret obeliscum, cuius originem formamque loco competenti monstrabo.

[¶27] 10.18. Meanwhile Constantius’ sister Helena, wife of Julian Caesar, had been brought to Rome under pretence of affection, but the reigning queen, Eusebia, was plotting against her; she herself had been childless all her life, and by her wiles she coaxed Helena to drink a rare potion, so that as often as she was with child she should have a miscarriage.

> Latin: 10.18. Inter haec Helenae sorori Constanti, Iuliani coniugi Caesaris, Romam affectionis specie ductae, regina tunc insidiabatur Eusebia, ipsa quoad vixerat sterilis, quaesitumque venenum bibere per fraudem illexit, ut quotienscumque concepisset, immaturum abiceret partum.

[¶28] 10.19. For once before, in Gaul, when she had borne a baby boy, she lost it through this machination: a midwife had been bribed with a sum of money, and as soon as the child was born cut the umbilical cord more than was right, and so killed it; such great pains and so much thought were taken that this most valiant man might have no heir.

> Latin: 10.19. Nam et pridem in Galliis, cum marem genuisset infantem, hoc perdidit dolo, quod obstetrix corrupta mercede, mox natum, praesecto plus quam convenerat umbilico, necavit; tanta tamque diligens opera navabatur, ne fortissimi viri soboles appareret.

[¶29] 10.20. Now the emperor desired to remain longer in this most majestic abode of all the world, to enjoy freer repose and pleasure; but he was alarmed by constant trustworthy reports, stating that the Suebi were raiding Raetia and the Quadi Valeria, while the Sarmatians, a tribe most accomplished in brigandage, were laying waste Upper Moesia and Lower Pannonia. Excited by this news, on the thirtieth day after entering Rome he left the city on May 29th, and marched rapidly into Illyricum by way of Tridentum.

> Latin: 10.20. Cupiens itaque augustissima omnium sede morari diutius imperator, ut otio puriore frueretur et voluptate, assiduis nuntiis terrebatur et certis, indicantibus Suebos Raetias incursare, Quadosque Valeriam, et Sarmatas, latrocinandi peritissimum genus, superiorem Moesiam et secundam populari Pannoniam; quibus percitus tricensimo postquam ingressus est die, quartum kal. lunias ab urbe profectus, per Tridentum iter in Illyricum festinavit.

[¶30] 10.21. From there he sent Severus, a general toughened by long military experience, to succeed Marcellus, and ordered Ursicinus to come to him. The latter received the letter with joy and came to Sirmium with his companions; and after long deliberations about the peace which Musonianus had reported might be established with the Persians, Ursicinus was sent back to the Orient with the powers of commander-in-chief; the elder members of our company were promoted to the command of his soldiers, while we younger men were directed to escort him and be ready to perform whatever he should direct on behalf of the commonwealth.

> Latin: 10.21. Unde misso in locum Marcelli Severo, bellorum usu et maturitate firmato, Ursicinum ad se venire praecepit. Et ille litteris gratanter acceptis, Sirmium venit, comitantibus sociis, libratisque diu super pace consiliis, quam fundari posse cum Persis Musonianus rettulerat, in orientem cum magisterii remittitur potestate, provectis e consortio nostro ad regendos milites natu maioribus, adulescentes eum sequi iubemur, quicquid pro re publica mandaverit impleturi.

[¶31] 11.1. But Julianus Caesar, after having passed a troubled winter at Sens, in the year when the emperor was consul for the ninth time and he for the second, with the threats from the Germans thundering on every side, stirred by favourable omens hastened to Rheims. He felt the greater eagerness and pleasure because Severus was commanding the army, a man neither insubordinate nor overbearing but well known for his long excellent record in the army, who had followed Julian as he advanced straight ahead, as an obedient soldier follows his general.

> Latin: 11.1. At Caesar exacta apud Senonas hieme turbulenta, Augusto novies seque iterum consule, Germanicis undique circumfrementibus minis, secundis ominibus motus, Remos properavit alacrior, magisque laetus quod exercitum regebat Severus, nec discors nec arrogans, sed longa militiae frugalitate compertus, et eum recta praeeuntem secutus, ut ductorem morigerus miles.

[¶32] 11.2. From another direction Barbatio, who had been promoted after Silvanus’ death to the command of the infantry, came from Italy at the emperor’s order with twenty-five thousand soldiers to Augst.

> Latin: 11.2. Parte alia Barbatio, post Silvani interitum promotus ad peditum magisterium, ex Italia iussu principis cum XXV milibus armatorum Rauracos venit.

[¶33] 11.3. For it was planned and carefully arranged beforehand that the Alamanni, who were raging beyond their customary manner and ranging more afield, should be driven into straits as if with a pair of pliers by twin forces of our soldiers, and cut to pieces.

> Latin: 11.3. Cogitatum est enim, solliciteque praestructum, ut saevientes ultra solitum Alamanni vagantesque fusius, multitudine geminata nostrorum, forcipis specie, trusi in angustias caederentur.

[¶34] 11.4. But while these well-laid plans were being hurried on, the Laeti, a savage tribe skilled in seasonable raids, passed secretly between the encampments of both armies and made an unlooked for attack on Lyons; and with their sudden onset they would have sacked and burned the town, had they not been driven back from the closed gates but made havoc of whatever they could find outside the town.

> Latin: 11.4. Dum haec tamen rite disposita celerantur, Laeti barbari ad tempestiva furta sollertes, inter utriusque exercitus castra occulte transgressi, invasere Lugdunum incautam, eamque populatam vi subita concremassent, ni clausis aditibus repercussi, quicquid extra oppidum potuit inveniri vastassent.

[¶35] 11.5. This disaster was no sooner known than Caesar, with quick grasp of the situation, sent three squadrons of brave light cavalry and watched three roads, knowing that the raiders would doubtless burst forth by them; and his ambuscade was not in vain.

> Latin: 11.5. Qua clade cognita, agili studio Caesar missis cuneis tribus equitum expeditorum et fortium, tria observavit itinera, sciens per ea erupturos procul dubio grassatores; nec conatus ei insidianti irritus fuit.

[¶36] 11.6. For all who passed out by those roads were butchered and all their booty recovered intact, and only those escaped unharmed who made their way undisturbed past the rampart of Barbatio; being allowed so to slip by because Bainobaudes, the tribune, and Valentinian, afterwards emperor, who with the cavalry troops they commanded had been ordered to attend to that matter, were forbidden by Cella, tribune of the targeteers, who had come to the campaign as Barbatio’s colleague, to watch the road over which they were informed that the Germans would return.

> Latin: 11.6. Cunctis enim qui per eos tramites exiere truncatis, receptaque praeda omni intacta, hi soli innoxii absoluti sunt, qui per vallum Barbationis transiere securi, ideo labi permissi, quod Bainobaudes tribunus, et Valentinianus postea imperator, cum equestribus turmis quas regebant, ad exsequendum id ordinati, a Cella tribuno scutariorum, qui Barbationi sociatus venerat ad procinctum, iter observare sunt vetiti, unde redituros didicere Germanos.

[¶37] 11.7. And not content with that, the infantry commander, who was a coward and a persistent detractor of Julian’s reputation, knowing that what he had ordered was against the interests of the Roman cause (for when Cella was charged with this, he confessed it), deceived Constantius in his report and pretended that these same tribunes had come, under the pretext of public business, to tamper with the soldiers whom he had been commanding; and for that reason they were cashiered and returned to their homes in a private capacity.

> Latin: 11.7. Quo non contentus, magister peditum ignavus et gloriarum Iuliani pervicax obtrectator, sciens se id contra utilitatem Romanae rei iussisse—hoc enim cum argueretur, Cella confessus est—relatione fefellit Constantium, finxitque hos eosdem tribunos, ad sollicitandos milites quos duxerat per speciem venisse negotii publici; qua causa abrogata potestate ad lares rediere privati.

[¶38] 11.8. At that same time the savages who had established their homes on our side of the Rhine, were alarmed by the approach of our armies, and some of them skilfully blocked the roads (which are difficult and naturally of heavy grades) by barricades of felled trees of huge size; others, taking possession of the islands which are scattered in numbers along the course of the Rhine, with wild and mournful cries heaped insults upon the Romans and Caesar. Whereupon he was inflamed with a mighty outburst of anger, and in order to catch some of them, asked Barbatio for seven of the ships which he had got ready for building bridges with the intention of crossing the river; but Barbatio burned them all, in order that he might be unable to give any help.

> Latin: 11.8. Eisdem diebus, exercituum adventu perterriti barbari, qui domicilia fixere cis Rhenum, partim difficiles vias et suapte natura clivosas, concaedibus clausere sollerter, arboribus immensi roboris caesis; alii occupatis insulis sparsis crebro per flumen Rhenum, ferum ululantes et lugubre, conviciis Romanos incessebant et Caesarem; qui graviore motu animi percitus, ad corripiendos aliquos septem a Barbatione petierat naves, ex his quas velut transiturus amnem ad compaginandos paraverat pontes; qui, nequid per eum impetraretur, omnes incendit.

[¶39] 11.9. Finally Julian, learning from the report of some scouts just captured, that now in the heat of summer the river could be forded, with words of encouragement sent the light-armed auxiliaries with Bainobaudes, tribune of the Cornuti, to perform a memorable feat, if fortune would favour them; and they, now wading through the shallows, now swimming on their shields, which they put under them like canoes, came to a neighbouring island and landing there they butchered everyone they found, men and women alike, without distinction of age, like so many sheep. Then, finding some empty boats, they rowed on in these, unsteady as they were, and raided a large number of such places; and when they were sated with slaughter, loaded down with a wealth of booty (a part of which they lost through the force of the current) they all came back safe and sound.

> Latin: 11.9. Doctus denique exploratorum delatione recens captorum, aestate iam torrida fluvium vado posse transiri, hortatus auxiliares velites cum Bainobaude Cornutorum misit tribuno, facinus memorabile si iuvisset fors patraturos, qui nunc incedendo per brevia, aliquotiens scutis in modum alveorum suppositis, nando ad insulam venere propinquam, egressique promiscue virile et muliebre secus sine aetatis ullo discrimine trucidabant ut pecudes, nanctique vacuas lintres, per eas licet vacillantes evecti, huius modi loca plurima perruperunt, et ubi caedendi satias cepit, opimitate praedarum onusti, cuius partem vi fluminis amiserunt, rediere omnes incolumes.

[¶40] 11.10. And the rest of the Germans, on learning of this, abandoned the islands as an unsafe refuge and carried off into the interior their families, their grain, and their rude treasures.

> Latin: 11.10. Hocque comperto, residui Germani, ut infido praesidio insularum relicto, ad ulteriora necessitudines et fruges opesque barbaricas contulerunt.

[¶41] 11.11. From here Julian turned aside to repair the fortress called Tres Tabernae, destroyed not long before by the enemy’s obstinate assault, the rebuilding of which ensured that the Germans could not approach the interior of Gaul, as they had been wont to do. And he both finished this work sooner than was expected and, for the garrison that was to be stationed there, he stored up food for the needs of a whole year, gathered together by the hands of the soldiers, not without fear of danger, from the savages’ crops.

> Latin: 11.11. Conversus hinc Iulianus ad reparandas Tres Tabernas (munimentum ita cognominatum,) haut ita dudum obstinatione subversum hostili, quo aedificato constabat ad intima Galliarum (ut consueverant) adire Germanos arceri, et opus spe celerius consummavit, et victum defensoribus ibi locandis, ex barbaricis messibus non sine discriminis metu collectum militis manu, condidit ad usus anni totius.

[¶42] 11.12. And not content with that alone, he gathered for himself also rations to serve for twenty days. For the warriors the more willingly made use of what they had won by their own right hands, being greatly incensed because from the supplies which had just been brought them they could get nothing, since Barbatio had arrogantly appropriated a part of them, when they were passing near him; and piled in a heap what remained over and burned it. Whether he did this like an empty-headed fool, or at the emperor’s bidding brazenly perpetrated his many abominable acts, has remained obscure up to this time.

> Latin: 11.12. Nec sane hoc solo contentus, sibi quoque viginti dierum alimenta parata collegit. Libentius enim bellatores quaesito dexteris propriis utebantur, admodum indignati, quoniam ex commeatu, qui eis recens advectus est, ideo nihil sumere potuerunt, quod partem eius Barbatio, cum transiret iuxta, superbe praesumpsit; residuumque quod superfuit congestum in acervum exussit, quae utrum ut vanus gerebat et demens, an mandatu principis confidenter nefanda multa temptabat, usque in id temporis latuit.

[¶43] 11.13. However, it was current rumour everywhere, that Julian was not chosen to relieve the distress of Gaul, but that he might meet his death in the cruellest of wars, being even then (as it was thought) inexperienced and one who could not stand even the clash of arms.

> Latin: 11.13. Illud tamen rumore tenus ubique iactabatur, quod Iulianus non levaturus incommoda Galliarum electus est, sed ut possit per bella deleri saevissima, rudis etiam tum ut existimabatur, et ne sonitum quidem duraturus armorum.

[¶44] 11.14. While the fortifications of the camp were rapidly rising and part of the soldiers were garrisoning the country posts, part gathering in grain warily for fear of ambush, a horde of savages, outstripping by their extraordinary speed any rumour of their coming, with a sudden attack set upon Barbatio and the army he commanded, which was (as has been said) separated from the Gallic camp; and they followed them in their flight as far as Augst, and as much farther as they could; then, after seizing the greater part of his baggage and pack-animals, together with the camp-followers, they returned home again.

> Latin: 11.14. Dum castrorum opera mature consurgunt, militisque pars stationes praetendit agrarias, alia frumenta insidiarum metu colligit caute, multitude barbarica rumorem nimia velocitate praeversa, Barbationem cum exercitu quem regebat (ut praedictum est) Gallico vallo discretum impetu repentino aggressa, sequensque fugientes ad usque Rauracos et ultra quoad potuit, rapta sarcinarum et iumentorum cum calonibus parte maxima redit ad suos.

[¶45] 11.15. And Barbatio, as if he had ended the campaign successfully, distributed his soldiers in winter quarters and returned to the emperor’s court, to frame some charge against Caesar, as was his custom.

> Latin: 11.15. Et ille tamquam expeditione eventu prospero terminata, milite disperso per stationes hibernas, ad comitatum imperatoris revertit, crimen compositurus in Caesarem (ut solebat).

[¶46] 12.1. When this disgraceful panic had been spread abroad, the kings of the Alamanni, Chonodomarius and Vestralpus, as well as Urius and Ursicinus, together with Serapio and Suomarius and Hortarius, collected all the flower of their forces in one spot and having ordered the horns to sound the war note, approached the city of Strasburg, thinking that Caesar had retired through fear of the worst, whereas he was even then busily employed in his project of completing the fort.

> Latin: 12.1. Quo dispalato foedo terrore, Alamannorum reges Chonodomarius et Vestralpus, Urius quin etiam et Ursicinus, cum Serapione et Suomario et Hortario, in unum robore virium suarum omni collecto, bellicumque canere bucinis iussis, venere prope urbem Argentoratum, extrema metuentem Caesarem arbitrati retrocessisse, cum ille tum etiam perficiendi munimenti studio stringeretur.

[¶47] 12.2. Moreover, as they tossed their heads proudly, their confidence was increased by a deserter from the targeteers; who, in fear of punishment for a crime he had committed, went over to them after the departure of his defeated leader, and informed them that only thirteen thousand soldiers had stayed with Julian; and in fact that was the number of his followers, while savage ferocity was arousing the frenzy of battle on every side.

> Latin: 12.2. Erexit autem confidentiam caput altius attollentum scutarius perfuga, qui commissi criminis metuens poenam, transgressus ad eos post ducis fugati discessum, armatorum tredecim milia tantum remansisse cum Iuliano docebat—is enim numerus eum sequebatur—barbara feritate certaminum rabiem undique concitante.

[¶48] 12.3. Through this deserter’s frequent repetition of that statement their confidence was raised still higher; they sent delegates to Caesar and imperiously enough commanded him to depart from the lands which they had won by valour and the sword. But he, a stranger to fear, neither lost his temper nor felt aggrieved, but laughing at the presumption of the savages, he detained the envoys until the work of fortification was ended and remained steadfast in the same attitude of resolution.

> Latin: 12.3. Cuius asseveratione eadem subinde replicantis, ad maiora stimulati fiducia, missis legatis, satis pro imperio Caesari mandaverunt, ut terris abscederet virtute sibi quaesitis et ferro; qui ignarus pavendi, nec ira nec dolore perculsus, sed fastus barbaricos ridens, tentis legatis ad usque perfectum opus castrorum, in eodem gradu constantiae stetit immobilis.

[¶49] 12.4. Now King Chonodomarius was raising general disturbance and confusion, making his presence felt everywhere without limit, a leader in dangerous enterprises, lifting up his brows in pride, being as he was conceited over frequent successes.

> Latin: 12.4. Agitabat autem miscebatque omnia, sine modo ubique sese diffunditans, et princeps audendi periculosa, rex Chonodomarius, ardua subrigens supercilia, ut saepe secundis rebus elatus.

[¶50] 12.5. For he both met Decentius Caesar on equal terms and defeated him, and had destroyed and sacked many wealthy cities, and for a long time freely overran Gaul without opposition. To strengthen his confidence, there was added besides the recent rout of a general superior in numbers and strength.

> Latin: 12.5. Nam et Decentium Caesarem superavit, aequo Marte congressus, et civitates erutas multas vastavit et opulentas, licentiusque diu nullo refragante Gallias persultavit. Ad cuius roborandam fiduciam, recens quoque fuga ducis accessit, numero praestantis et viribus.

[¶51] 12.6. For the Alamanni, on seeing the devices of their shields, realised that these soldiers, who had given ground before a few of their brigands, were the men in fear of whom they had at times in the past scattered and fled with heavy losses, before coming to close quarters. All this caused Julian worry and anxiety, because at the instance of urgent necessity, with the partner of his danger gone, he was forced with only a few (though brave) troops to meet swarming tribes.

> Latin: 12.6. Alamanni enim scutorum insignia contuentes, norant eos milites permisisse paucis suorum latronibus terrain, quorum metu aliquotiens, antequam gradum conferrent, amissis pluribus abiere dispersi. Quae anxie ferebat sollicitus Caesar, quod trudente ipsa necessitate, digresso periculi socio, cum paucis (licet fortibus) populosis gentibus occurrere cogebatur.

[¶52] 12.7. Already the beams of the sun were reddening the sky, and the blare of the trumpets was sounding in unison, when the infantry forces were led out at a moderate pace, and to their flank were joined the squadrons of cavalry, among whom were the cuirassiers and the archers, a formidable branch of the service.

> Latin: 12.7. Iamque solis radiis rutilantibus, tubarumque concinente clangore, pedestres copiae lentis incessibus educuntur, earumque lateri equestres iunctae sunt turmae, inter quas cataphractarii erant et sagittarii, formidabile genus armorum.

[¶53] 12.8. And since from the place where the Roman standards had begun advancing, the distance to the enemy’s camp was figured to be fourteen leagues—that is, twenty-one miles—Caesar had proper regard for both advantage and security, and having recalled his outposts, who had already gone ahead, and having proclaimed silence by the usual announcements, with his native calmness of speech he addressed the soldiers, who stood about him in companies, as follows:

> Latin: 12.8. Et quoniam a loco, unde Romana promota sunt signa, ad usque vallum barbaricum quarta leuga signabatur et decima, id est unum et viginti milia passuum, utilitati securitatique recte consulens Caesar, revocatis procursatoribus iam antegressis, indictaque solitis vocibus quiete, cuneatim circumsistentes alloquitur, genuina placiditate sermonis:

[¶54] 12.9. “Regard for maintaining our common safety (to speak most sparingly) urges me, a Caesar far from pusillanimous, to urge and entreat you, fellow soldiers, to have confidence in our mature and sturdy courage, and to choose for all of us rather the path of caution, not the over-hasty and doubtful one, if we are to withstand or to repulse what we have to expect.”

> Latin: 12.9. “Urget ratio salutis tuendae communis, ut parcissime dicam, non iacentis animi Caesarem hortari vos et orare,-commilitones mei—ut adulta robustaque virtute confisi, cautiorem viam potius eligamus, ad toleranda vel ad depellenda quae sperantur, non praeproperam et ancipitem.”

[¶55] 12.10. “For in the midst of peril, while it is proper that young men should be energetic and daring, they should also (when occasion requires) be docile and circumspect. Let me therefore in few words detail what my opinion is and see if you will give me leave, and your just anger upholds it.”

> Latin: 12.10. “Ut enim in periculis iuventutem impigram esse convenit et audacem, ita (cum res postulat) regibilem et consultam. Quid igitur censeo, si arbitrium affuerit vestrum, iustaque sustinet indignatio, paucis absolvam.”

[¶56] 12.11. “The day is already nearing noon; we are exhausted by the fatigue of the march; steep and blind paths will receive us; the moon is waning and the night will be relieved by no stars; the country is fairly ablaze with heat and relieved by no supply of water. If anyone should grant us the ability to pass through all this comfortably, what are we to do when the enemy’s swarms rush upon us, refreshed as they will be with rest and food and drink? What strength can we have, when our limbs are enfeebled with hunger, thirst and toil, to offer resistance?”

> Latin: 12.11. “Iam dies in meridiem vergit, lassitudine nos itineris fatigatos, scrupulosi tramites excipient et obscuri, nox senescente luna nullis sideribus adiuvanda, terrae protinus aestu flagrantes, nullis aquarum subsidiis fultae; quae si dederit quisquam commode posse transiri, ruentibus hostium examinibus post otium cibique refectionem et potus, quid nos agamus? Quo vigore inedia siti laboreque membris marcentibus occurramus?”

[¶57] 12.12. “Therefore, since even the most difficult situations have often been met by timely arrangement, and when suitable advice has been taken in good part, heaven-sent remedies have frequently restored the condition of affairs which threatened ruin, here, I ask of you, protected by a rampart and a trench and with our sentinels picketed, let us rest and for the present enjoy sleep and food suitable to the occasion; and then (with God’s leave be it spoken) let us advance our triumphant eagles and victorious standards at the first break of day.”

> Latin: 12.12. “Ergo quoniam negotiis difficillimis quoque saepe dispositio tempestiva prospexit, et statum nutantium rerum, recto consilio in bonam partem accepto, aliquotiens divina remedia repararunt, hic quaeso vallo fossaque circumdati, divisis vigiliis, quiescamus, somnoque et victu congruis potiti pro tempore, pace dei sit dictum, triumphaturas aquilas et vexilla victricia primo lucis moveamus exordio.”